Tag Archives: Bert Castro

Brookfield Communities, a successful master-plan developer of two Arizona active adult communities and large land-holder, is helping to raise funds for the Phoenix Zoo’s conservation and educational programs for a second consecutive year. The Phoenix-based developer and home builder has teamed up with its architect partners to custom design and build a unique western themed playhouse for the zoo to giveaway through its annual raffle.

Phil Petersen, founder and president of Brookfield Communities and also a Phoenix Zoo board member stated, “We are proud to be working with the Phoenix Zoo again and hope the playhouse helps raise significant dollars and awareness for worthy zoo programs. This year’s playhouse is really incredible. It’s a miniature western town with a hotel and a jail. The kids will love it!”

The Western Town playhouse is a spacious, two-room, professionally hand-crafted, high-quality, playhouse which will be raffled by the Zoo. Its custom design features old western swinging doors and a wraparound porch. Raffle entries are $20 each or six for $100. They can be purchased at www.phoenixzoo.org/rendezzoo, by visiting the Zoo’s Guest Services Lobby (admission to the Zoo is not required for viewing or purchasing an entry to win) or on Saturday, Oct. 11 during the Zoo’s Rendez-Zoo event.

The playhouse is now on display at the Phoenix Zoo and is available for viewing during regular Zoo hours. One winner will be randomly selected on Oct. 11 via a computer drawing, the evening of the Phoenix Zoo’s annual benefit, Rendez-Zoo. The winner does not need to be present to win.

In 2013, Brookfield Communities donated a pair of playhouses that helped raise funds for various zoo programs and initiatives. Once again this year, Christoph Kaiser of Christoph Kaiser, LLC and Larry Allen of 33 North Architects designed the playhouse.

“We are pleased that Brookfield Communities and its architect partners are providing this hand-crafted playhouse to help raise money for the Phoenix Zoo,” said Bert Castro, president and CEO of Arizona Zoological Society/Phoenix Zoo. “The playhouses were a big hit last year so we’re looking forward to what this year brings.”